The Charleston Battery advanced past Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC with a 1-0 victory in the USL Championship Playoffs Eastern Conference Quarterfinals on Saturday at Patriots Point. Nick Markanich scored the deciding goal in the 8th minute and the Battery’s defense stood strong to see out the shutout win.
The result punches Charleston’s ticket to the Conference Semifinals on Sun., Nov. 10, against the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Patriots Point.
Charleston, debuting their new black-and-gold Playoff Kit, were off to a fast start in the defense of their Eastern Conference title and in the first playoff meeting with Riverhounds SC since 2001.
Golden Boot winner Nick Markanich beat Golden Glove winner Eric Dick and broke open the game in the 8th minute with a goal that gave the Battery an early 1-0. Charleston’s pressure paid off as Chris Allan connected with Arturo Rodriguez, and Rodriguez whipped in a perfect cross to Markanich inside the box. Markanich dove head-first into the ball and sent it to the back of the net.
The goal was Markanich’s 29th of the season, adding to his single-season club record. Rodriguez’s assist was his sixth of 2024.
Things began to settle down as the half wore on and the teams were limited to off-target shots.
Aaron Molloy came up big in the 38th minute with a sliding block inside the box to deny Danny Griffin, who had a dangerous look opportunity to tie the score.
Just before halftime, Rodriguez almost doubled the Battery’s lead in the 42nd minute. Juan David Torres played a brilliant cross to a wide-open Rodriguez, but Rodriguez’s first-time shot to the far post was saved.
The Battery took the 1-0 lead into the break.
Play resumed in the second half with Pittsburgh looking to get on the board.
Chris Allan, deputizing at left-back again, made a crucial block in the opening minute of the half on Bertin Jacquesson’s shot inside the box.
The Battery defense continued to bow up as Riverohunds SC made more advances into the final third. Mark Segbers made an important block in the 65th minute and goalkeeper Adam Grinwis made a crucial high claim minutes later to halt the visitors’ progress.
Charleston’s defense came up with another strong stand in the 70th minute when Pittsburgh were driving into the final third. Jay Chapman made a glancing block on Griffin’s shot from inside the box and a clear look on goal. Nathan Dossantos then cleared the rebound.
On the other end, the Battery looked to be awarded a penalty after Emilio Ycaza appeared to be taken down in the box in the 75th minute, but no call was given.
Chapman made another important block in the 80th minute to keep Riverhounds SC at bay.
MD Myers came off the bench in the second half and nearly doubled the Battery’s lead to seal it, but his attempts on target in the 89th and 96th minutes were both saved.
The Battery held on for the 1-0 win, knocking Pittsburgh out of the playoffs in their first win over the Pennsylvania side in 2024, advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The next round will take place at Patriots Point on Sun., Nov. 10, against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on national television (CBS Sports Network) and kicking off at 3 p.m. ET.
With the 1-0 result, Charleston recorded their first shutout since August 24. It’s an impressive feat considering Pittsburgh entered the match on a four-game winning streak, which included a win over the Battery on October 12.
